Bullying by siblings just as damaging, research finds

[bemildred]

Bullying and aggressive behavior by a sibling can be as damaging as bullying by a classmate, neighbor or other peer, finds a new study that links it to increased depression, anxiety and anger among victimized kids and teens.

And that association holds true for the various types of aggressive behavior studied, both mild and severe, from physical and psychological aggression to property victimization, researchers say.

Although peer bullying has increasingly become a recognized problem and the focus of preventive efforts, sibling bullying has historically been viewed as "benign and normal and even beneficial" for a child's social development and ability "to learn to handle aggression in other relationships," according to the study, in the July issue of the journal Pediatrics, published online today.

The study "shows that sibling aggression is linked to worse mental health (for the victim), and in some cases it's similar to what you find for peer aggression," says lead author Corinna Jenkins Tucker, an associate professor of family studies at the University of New Hampshire in Durham.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/06/17/bullying-siblings-aggression/2421067/

[SheilaT]

1. I'd guess that bullying siblings could be far worse

than bullying classmates, given you still have to live with the siblings.

[bemildred]

2. Having seen both, I'd say it all depends.

I generally see it as a parenting failure to allow it, but it can be difficult to prevent entirely. You have to look to the relevant authority figures to understand why things happen or don't happen in particular cases.

I do think it needs to be taken much more seriously, anywhere it happens.

[Nay]

3. Yes, you live with the siblings, plus as the bullied kid, you get to see your parents ignore it,

condone it or even support it. That has to hurt twice as much.